Graphic Arts

Academic Program

The Graphic Arts program offers both a major and a minor to prepare those students who choose some part of the graphic arts industry as their career. The objectives of this program are:

To provide students with a knowledge of the evolution of the graphic arts industry along with its impact on our society,

To familiarize students with all phases of major printing processes and advanced studies in the management and technology of offset lithography,

To develop students’ awareness of the current health and safety standards set by federal and state agencies.

Students learn the professional attributes required to become successful in most fields related to the graphic arts industry. Furthermore, students gain practical experiences in a professional work environment both in the classroom and at the work station.

The Advantage

On top of having small class sizes for personal attention, the Graphic Arts program at College of the Ozarks allows its students to get immediate hands-on training. With the Work Education program, Graphic Arts students can gain valuable professional experience at the College Press while helping defray the cost of their education .

Students working at the College Press receive experience in various aspects of the printing and graphics industry. This campus facility produces, from graphic design through packaging, virtually all business and promotional forms used by the College, as well as the student newspaper, and the College Catalog. The College Press is even involved in printing commercial jobs and producing custom work from time to time.

Experience gained at the College Press prepares students for the various career opportunities of the graphic arts industry. The College Press manager, office supervisor, design supervisor, prepress supervisor, and the pressroom & bindery supervisors are trained individuals with years of experience. Each student is assigned to a supervisor for the semester and assists them with even their most important responsibilities.

Most Graphic Arts majors working at the College Press choose to work for each of the supervisors for at least one semester of their college career in order to procure the best possible industry training before entering the work force. It’s no wonder our students have excellent placement opportunities!

Student Groups

The Graphic Arts ClubThe Graphic Arts club is comprised mostly of Graphic Arts majors and minors, but it is open to all students interested in graphic arts. The purpose of this club is to promote industry interest and involvement through graphic arts related activities. The club encourages students to become involved in the campus and community through its community service projects and social gatherings.

The Graphic Arts club participates in Homecoming activities, including the creation of a banner to compete with other clubs on campus. Helping boys in local Boy Scout troops earn their Graphic Arts Merit Badge is one of our favorite community service activities.

The club operates a screen printing business to fund field trips to printing companies, Graph Expo in Chicago, and other activites and establishments nationwide.

“I could not have found a better program to prepare me for my career. When I graduated, I had three years of experience working in nearly every facet of the business; I had received superb academic preparation, and even completed a summer internship. I left college confident, prepared, and most importantly, employed.”

Contact Information

If you have any further questions or if you would like to take a tour of the Graphic Arts Department, please contact:Mr. Mike WilliamsGraphic Arts Department at College of the OzarksP.O. Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726(417) 690-3239williams@cofo.edu